I get so tired of hearing this.
In my experience, the majority of practicing lawyers do everything in their power to stop their clients from going to court because they think it's a waste of time.
Most of their clients force them to do it anyway.
Meanwhile, the lawyers take the blame for being forced
to do what their clients ask, despite their clients being
3 year olds about it.
Not blaming, merely stating that lawyers on both sides will do well.
Even taking the bright-side interpretation though: at least one of them failed in removing the further litigation cost and risk, their goal as you say is to protect their client as you say and that is often the best way.
Most of their clients force them to do it anyway.
Meanwhile, the lawyers take the blame for being forced to do what their clients ask, despite their clients being 3 year olds about it.